13th March 2024

Clinical manifestations

Individuals with Brugada syndrome experience ventricular tachyarrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation or polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, which can result in syncope or sudden cardiac arrest; the latter is the first presentation in one-third of patients. Affected individuals may also experience nocturnal agonal respiration or palpitations related to atrial fibrillation, which is associated with Brugada syndrome.

ECG abnormalities and cardiac arrest in those with Brugada syndrome are associated with triggering factors, including:

• Fever
• Drugs including sodium channel blockers such as flecainide, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, alcohol, cocaine
• Electrolyte abnormalities such as hyperkalaemia and hypokalaemia